"Pilgrims held their second Thanksgiving celebration in 1623 to mark the end of a long drought that had threatened the year’s harvest and prompted Governor Bradford to call for a religious fast. Days of fasting and thanksgiving on an annual or occasional basis became common practice in other New England settlements as well. "
- History.com
If you are feeling overwhelmed with the early appearance of "Commercialmas" like I am, enjoy this Thankgiving Reader and push back on the retail encroachment on this season that we all really need to reflect on and respect. No matter whether you see the survivor settlers or the Native Americans who graciously contributed to their survival as the winners, we need to reflect on the solemn nature of this feast day and the reminder that we are all small parts of the village that saves us and we can't be a village if we all work at cross purposes.
Enjoy this look at Thanksgiving through the lens of its history, traditions, and food, because food is the language of our memories that connect us to the past.
Thanksgiving Historical Context and Interest -
Thanksgiving Overview from History.com - this article covers all the basics from history, to food, to ancient origins.
Memories of Thanksgiving Across the Centuries - personal accounts of Thanksgivings past in many parts of the US and abroad
The First Thanksgiving:Native Americans and early settlers gave thanks together with this historic feast - This post from National Geographic Kids presents the history from settlers and natives up to Lincoln's establishment of the national holiday in terms that are easy for younger participants to understand.
The True Story Behind Thanksgiving - This "warts and all" look at the holiday from Business Insider, may be a downer for some but history is all of the story, not just the parts we like. Kudos to the article for pointing out that a "Southern" Thanksgiving occured several years earlier than the Pilgrims feast, in 1619 by Settlers in Berkeley Hundred, in what is now Virginia.
Thanksgiving Day - Almanac.com offers the widest scope coverage of our holiday topic. You will find everything from history and controversy to rituals and weather folklore. There is even poetry.
Regional Thanksgiving Historical Context and Interest - The Jamestown celebration may have colored early local celebrations and vestiges may remain to this day.
A North Carolina Thanksgiving, Revisited - you will enjoy this survey of Thanksgivings past around the state.
Tracing the History of Thanksgiving in North Carolina - DigitalNC recounts a timeline of Thanksgiving celebrated in our state.
Did Thanksgiving Tradition Begin Here? - Coastal Review.org digs deeper into the stories of an earlier "Southern" origin for Thanksgiving traditions.
First Beaufort County Thanksgiving - Beaufort residents recognize Nov 25, 1712 as the first Day of Thanksgiving for the settlers of that region.
Thanksgiving history remembered on the USS North Carolina - WWAY of Wilmington recounts one especially chaotic and meager Thanksgiving spent on the battleship in 1943.
Thanksgiving, A Southern Tradition Since 1619 - another telling of the 1619 Thanksgiving at Berkley Plantation on the James River.
Thanksgiving Food Traditions
Try this NC-inspired Thanksgiving menu for a taste of your state - here is an account from the N&O of formerly traditional foods that problably won't appear at your table!
12 Dishes You'll Only Find On A Southern Thanksgiving Table - many of your southern traditonal favorites from Southern Living.
Thanksgiving Feast Johnston County style - If you are looking for collards, watergate salad or pecan pie, you will find them here.
Coastal NC Thanksgiving Favorites - Oyster stuffing, Pig Pickin' cake and sweet potatoe pie right here!
Here's what Thanksgiving dinner looks like in different parts of the country - Who eats manicotti with their turkey? Would you add Frog Eye salad to your menu? How about pumpkin empanadas or sourdough stuffing? These things never even occured to me but if you are game, you will find these and more in this Business Insider post.
Now, finally-
After your recover from the turkey coma, if you need to move around a little, you might find a pleasing activity here.
Happy Thanksgiving. We appreciate all of our WCGS members and followers!
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